Overview
Volunteer Work with Tribal Communities in India

Despite being a rapidly developing nation, poverty still exists in many parts of India, making community projects like this extremely invaluable. This project takes volunteers to teach basic English and Mathematics to underprivileged primary school children in a fun and playful way, giving them a better start in life through education. You will work with tribal communities in Rajasthan, north-west India – an area famed for its palaces, maharajas and exotic colours. Also included are opportunities to take part in weekly workshops, including Hindi Classes, yoga and cookery, giving you a great insight into the local way of life. At the beginning of the first month volunteers will go on an excursion, camel trekking and camping in the desert, visiting the famous desert town of Jodhpur. Volunteers also have the opportunity to finish off their placement by visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

India is beautiful. The host family were lovely and welcoming and we arrived on the festival of Holi (‘Festival of Colours’), so there were big celebrations. I'm really pleased I came here, and the people and staff members are great!

Ralph Demeger, 2007 volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Local schools are understaffed and under-resourced. Sometimes a single teacher has to manage a large number of students as well as administrative duties in the school. You will help ease the work load on the teacher by teaching the students. In recent years, English was introduced into Rajasthan Government Primary Schools, but the teachers are not skilled in teaching English as a foreign language. Often their knowledge of the English language is limited, so volunteers are able to expose the students to excellent English language models.

Highlights

Working closely with tribal communities, exploring the best of Rajasthan, staying with a host family in the desert and enjoying a camel safari with them, taking in the sights of Jodhpur, getting to know the romantic city of Udaipur, learning the Indian culture from the locals in cultural workshops, a good balance of work and free time.

Location

This programme takes place in Rajasthan, which is located in the north-western part of India and is famed for its palaces, maharajas and exotic colours. The state is bounded in the east by the pink city of Jaipur, the famous forts and deserts of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur lie to the west, and the beautiful lake city of Udaipur rests on the southern border.

Field Conditions

Volunteers are based on the outskirts of the city of Udaipur. The accommodation is basic but well located for access to the city and to the project sites. Volunteers will be sharing rooms and all meals will be prepared for you. The accommodation is comfortable and spacious. The house has electricity, running water and volunteers will have access to internet and phone facilities. Travel upgrades may be available on this project. Please contact GVI for more information.